In this article, deviant action is analyzed on the basis of ideas derived from Gottfredson and Hirschi's self-control theory. Presumedly, self-control in interaction with opportunities can explain deviant action. This assumption is elaborated using the concept of high- and low-cost situations from rational choice theory. From this point of view, the hypotheses are that self-control predicts deviant action in low-cost situations, whereas utility predicts deviant action in high- cost situations. Two test strategies are employed in an empirical examination of these hypotheses. A standardized questionnaire was presented to a sample of 494 German adults aged 18 to 80. The results of both test strategies show that the assumptions of an interaction effect between self-control and opportunities are fundamentally supported.

Cite this

Seipel C, Eifler S. Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime. CRIME & DELINQUENCY. 2010;56(2):167-197.

Seipel, C., & Eifler, S. (2010). Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime. CRIME & DELINQUENCY, 56(2), 167-197.

Seipel, C., and Eifler, S. (2010). Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime. CRIME & DELINQUENCY 56, 167-197.

Seipel, C., & Eifler, S., 2010. Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime. CRIME & DELINQUENCY, 56(2), p 167-197.

C. Seipel and S. Eifler, “Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime”, CRIME & DELINQUENCY, vol. 56, 2010, pp. 167-197.

Seipel, C., Eifler, S.: Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime. CRIME & DELINQUENCY. 56, 167-197 (2010).

Seipel, Christian, and Eifler, Stefanie. “Opportunities, Rational Choice, and Self-Control On the Interaction of Person and Situation in a General Theory of Crime”. CRIME & DELINQUENCY 56.2 (2010): 167-197.